. . . MSD warns of violent storms in Matabeleland

THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned members of the public to be cautious of scattered violent thunderstorms which will be accompanied by lightning and strong winds in the western parts of the country beginning yesterday.

In a statement on Monday, the MSD said the rainfall is coming from Botswana and entering Zimbabwe via Matabeleland provinces, but will generally be light. “Isolated evening thunderstorms are expected over the extreme western districts, namely Bulilima,

Kwekwe and Gweru districts are very dry, but they have an advantage that they have irrigation schemes and they are at early vegetative stage where they are top dressing their crops.”

Mrs Magwenzi said districts such as Mangwe, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Matopo and Gwanda, as moisture drifts into the country from Botswana,” it said.

“These storms may be violent, coupled with lightning and strong winds, but generally light rainfall is expected.”

The department advised members of the public in the affected districts attending outdoor functions to be cautious as the storms may be violent.

Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland provinces can expect mostly sunny and hot conditions, with brief cloudy periods and a cooling breeze from time to time. Isolated afternoon and evening rains with thunderstorms

Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Mvuma and Gokwe North were likely to experience severe drought. She said farmers in drought-prone districts should quickly adapt and plant small grains which did well in low rainfall. “We are trying to advocate remain a possibility, and it will be cool overnight. The MSD said while normal to below normal rains were expected in other parts of the country, chances of an El-Nino-induced drought could not be ruled out.

“Apart from those nominated areas, elsewhere should be sunny and warmer than of late, though cool in the morning and overnight,” said the department.

“In Masvingo and in Manicaland provinces, sunny spells are expected.

“The department also urges members of the public to use weather information from the MSD rather than relying on social media as they can be misled.”

for small grains such as millet, rapoko and sorghum as they mature fast and they are drought-resistant compared to maize, but most farmers do not like the idea as most people prefer white to brown sadza,” said Mrs Magwenzi.